Make a deposit in the Bra Bank

If your cup overfloweth, or you’re feeling the squeeze, it might be time to head down to Brackley’s new Bra Bank to dispose of unwanted undergarments.

Brackley shopkeeper Claire Brotherton, of The Banyan Tree fairtrade and recycled gift store, has organised for the pink Bra Bank to be sited in Courtyard Mews, so women can recycle unloved undies.

Bra Banks are a joint venture between the charity Against Breast Cancer and textile recycling company BCR Global Textiles.

The project keeps textiles out of landfill, helps small businesses in Africa and raises funds for the charity’s groundbreaking research, working to improve detection and increase survival after breast cancer diagnosis.

Every year in the UK, thousands of bras end up in landfill sites, while in Africa there is a demand for affordable bras

Bras deposited in a Bra Bank are taken to developing countries where traders support their families selling textiles locally.

Any bras that are beyond redemption are dismantled and disposed of properly.

Ms Brotherton said: “We’ve all got bras hiding in drawers that are either a bit itchy or a bit saggy.”

And she encouraged women to bag up any offending articles and put them in the Bra Bank.

Find out more about Bra Banks at www.againstbreastcancer.org.uk/news/charity-news/406/bra-bank-it